Clayton News Daily

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

Local authorities said one of two suspects believed to be responsible for stealing items from an area store has struck again, in what became an armed-robbery attempt.

The first alleged incident reportedly took place June 12 at approximately 2 p.m., at the Target located at 1850 Jonesboro Road in McDonough, according to Henry County Police Capt. Jason Bolton.

"The couple ... walked out [of the store] without paying for two Sony Blu Ray DVD players, valued at $600," said Bolton. "They left in a blue, Ford van."

The second incident, Bolton continued, occurred at the same Target store Sept. 30, at approximately 1 p.m. According to Bolton, one of the suspects, a black male, was seen attempting to leave the store with merchandise he had not paid for and was approached by a loss-prevention officer.

"The suspect took out an asp baton and attempted to strike the ... officer," said Bolton. "The suspect fled with the items in the shopping cart. The suspect left in the same Ford Freestar van with Georgia tag AUY-6181."

Police said one or more characters on the tag on the van have been altered, and the original owner of the tag has been located.

Authorities have obtained surveillance video of both suspects, and the vehicle they used in the incidents. Bolton said in one video clip, the male suspect "leaves by himself to get his car ready for the getaway."

"In the second clip you can see him attack the loss-prevention officer ... when he is stopped at the door," Bolton said.

Anyone with information on the case was asked to contact Police Detective Joe Norton at (770) 288-8262.